Reel frames for remote video inspection systems

ABSTRACT

A frame assembly for a cable reel includes a lower support frame for rotatably supporting a drum and an upper support member attached to the lower support frame. The upper support member is disposed above the drum and defines a planar top surface when the upper support member is in the working position. The upper support member may be configured to form a folding seat for a user, a drawer for storage and/or a platform for placing a device thereon.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to remote video inspection systems, andmore particularly to cable reel frames for remote video inspectionsystems.

BACKGROUND

Remote video inspection systems may be used to inspect pipes, andparticularly the inside conditions of long pipes, for such issues asdefects and obstructions. The long pipes may be heat exchanger pipes,water pipes, gas pipes, electric conduits, fiber optic conduits, boreholes, drain pipes, and underground sewer pipes, for example.

Referring to FIG. 1, a typical remote video inspection system 1 includesa camera 2 for capturing images inside the space being inspected (e.g.,long pipes 3), a video cable 4 connected to the camera 2, a cable reel 5for wrapping and receiving the video cable 4, and a video image displayunit 6. The video cable 4 transmits video signals from the camera 2 tothe video image display unit 6, which displays the images transmittedfrom the camera 2. During the inspection process, an operator/user 7generally kneels or squats as he is manipulating the video cable 4 inthe space being inspected and the video image display unit 6 isgenerally placed near him on the ground.

SUMMARY

A frame assembly for a cable reel according to the present disclosureincludes a lower support frame and an upper support member. The lowersupport frame rotatably supports a drum. The upper support member isattached to the lower support frame and supports one or more planarplatform members.

A cable reel includes a drum, a lower support frame and an upper supportmember. The lower support frame rotatably supports the drum. The uppersupport member is mounted to the lower support frame and supports atleast one planar platform member.

In one feature, the upper support member may be configured to form aseat, a drawer, a work surface, and/or a mounting location for tools ordevices used in the inspection process.

In other features, the upper support member or portions thereof may bemovable between a working position and a stowed position. When in thestowed position, the upper support member is disposed at a side of thedrum and perpendicular to a shaft that supports the drum. When in theworking position, the upper support member is disposed above the drumand parallel to the shaft that supports the drum.

A frame assembly for a cable reel includes a first leg assembly, asecond leg assembly spaced from the first leg assembly along a directionparallel to a central axis of the cable reel. A bridge member isdisposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly. Ashaft extends between the first leg assembly and the second leg assemblyfor rotatably supporting a drum between the first leg assembly and thesecond leg assembly. An upper support member is movable between aworking position and a stowed position.

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the operation of a prior art videoinspection system;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a remote video inspection systemaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a perspective and partial exploded view of a frame of a cablereel of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a cable reel according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a schematic, exploded perspective view of a mountingarrangement for the upper support member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a cable reel according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an auxiliary support bracket of FIG.4A;

FIG. 4C is a schematic, exploded perspective view of a mountingarrangement for the upper support member and auxiliary support bracketof FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a schematic, exploded perspective view of an alternativemounting arrangement for the upper support member and auxiliary supportbracket to that of FIG. 4C;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an upper support member according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper support bracket according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an upper support member according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 2A, a remote video inspection system 10 according tothe present disclosure includes a cable reel 12, a display unit 14, anda camera head 16. The cable reel 12 includes a drum 18, a frame assembly20, and a cable 22. The drum 18 defines a hollow receiving space 24 forreceiving the cable 22 therein. The cable 22 is wrapped around a centralaxis A (see FIG. 2B) of the drum 18.

The cable 22 has a first end (not shown) secured to the frame assembly20 and a second end 25 attached to the camera head 16. To inspect aremote space, such as the inside conditions of a long pipe like anunderground drain pipe, the camera head 16 and the cable 22 are insertedinto the drain pipe. As the cable 22 is inserted, the camera head 16takes video images of inside conditions of the drain pipe. The camerahead 16 has a generally cylindrical shape and may have a small diameterto be inserted into drain pipes of any size.

The cable 22 may define an inner channel in which electric wires arereceived. Images taken by the camera head 16 may be transmitted bydigital or analog video signals, such as composite NTSC video signals,through the electric wires in the cable 22. The display unit 14 may be avideo image display unit for displaying images taken by the camera head16. The display unit 14 may be connected to the cable 22 and thus thecamera head 16 through a USB interface (not shown) attached to the frameassembly 20. Alternatively, the inspection system may be configured sothat the camera head 16 may be operable to transmit digital or analogvideo signals wirelessly to the display unit 14 which can receive andprocess the signals for display.

Optionally, a recorder 26 may be provided to record inspections. Therecorder 26 may be a light-weight DVD recorder to allow for easytransportation and may have a built-in microphone that provides soundrecording during the inspection.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the frame assembly 20 includes a lower supportframe 28 for rotatably supporting the drum 18 and an upper supportmember 30 mounted to the lower support frame 28. The upper supportmember 30 defines at least one planar top surface 31, which may be usedas a multi-purpose platform to facilitate inspection work.

The lower support frame 28 includes a pair of first legs 32, a pair ofsecond legs 33, and a bridge member 34 connecting the pair of first legs32 to the pair of second legs 33. The pair of first legs 32 and the pairof second legs 33 are spaced along a direction parallel to the centralaxis of the drum 18. The first legs 32 and the second legs 33 eachinclude a connecting end 36 and a free end 37. The first legs 32 areconnected at their connecting ends 36 to form a first leg assembly anddefine a substantially inverted V shape. The second legs 33 areconnected at their connecting ends 36 to form a second leg assembly anddefine a substantially inverted V shape. The bridge member 34 isdisposed between the first and second leg assemblies and connects theconnecting ends 36. The bridge member 34 defines a substantiallyinverted U shape.

The first and second leg assemblies each include a cross member 39between the first legs 32 or the second legs 33. A shaft 35 is disposedbetween and attached to the cross members 39 for rotatably supportingthe drum 18. The drum 18 is disposed between the first and second legassemblies and below the bridge member 34. The bridge member 34 mayfunction as a handle for carrying the cable reel 12.

Each leg assembly includes a rolling wheel 40. The rolling wheels 40facilitate movement of the cable reel 12. While only one pair of rollingwheels 40 are shown, it is understood and appreciated that rollingwheels 40 may be mounted to all legs 32 and 33.

While each leg assembly is shown to include two legs 32 or 33, it isunderstood and appreciated that each leg assembly can have only one legor can have any configurations known in the art to support the frame onthe ground.

The upper support member 30 is attached to the lower support frame 28and disposed above the drum 18. The upper support member 30 defines afirst platform member 42, a second platform member 44, and a pair ofconnecting bracket members 46 for connecting the first platform member42 and the second platform member 44. The connecting bracket members 46each define a first aperture 48 aligned with a corresponding secondaperture 50 in the bridge member 34. The upper support member 30 may beattached to the bridge member 34 by any conventional fastening means,such as with a nut and bolt or screw, for example.

The first platform member 42 and the second platform member 44 may eachbe configured to define a planar top surface 31, which can function as amulti-purpose work platform. For example, the display unit 14 and therecorder 26 may be placed on one or both of the planar top surfaces 31during the inspection process. In addition, the upper support member 30may be configured to function as a seat for a user/operator of theremote video inspection system. For example, the user/operator may siton the first platform member 42 and the display unit 14 may be placed onthe second platform member 44. The user, therefore, may comfortably beseated while viewing the display unit 14 that is placed on the secondplatform member 44.

The first platform member 42, the second platform member 44, and theconnecting bracket members 46 define a space 52 therebetween. When theupper support member 30 is mounted to the lower support frame 28, thebridge member 34 extends through the space 52 to enable a user/operatorto use the bridge member 34 as a carrying handle for the cable reel 12even though the upper support member 30 is attached above the drum 18.

Optionally, a hook and loop fastener device, such as Velcro®, may beprovided on the top planar surfaces 31 of either or both of the firstand second platform members 42, 44 to enable devices, such as thedisplay unit 14 and recorder 26, having a corresponding hook and loopfastener device, to be secured to the upper support member 30.

While the first platform member 42 and the second platform member 44 areshown to be aligned along a rotational direction X of the drum 18, it isunderstood and appreciated that the first platform member 42 and thesecond platform member 44 may be arranged to be aligned along adirection parallel to the central axis A of the drum 18. In other words,the first platform member 42 and the second platform member 44 may bedisposed on the sides of the drum 18.

Second Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 3A, a cable reel 60 according to a second embodimentof the present disclosure includes a drum 18 and a frame assembly 62 forrotatably supporting the drum 18. The frame assembly 62 includes anupper support member 30 and a lower support frame 64. The frame assembly62 is similar to that of the first embodiment.

The lower support frame 64 includes a pair of first legs 65, a pair ofsecond legs 66, a bridge member 67, a pair of second cross members 68,and a plurality of leg extensions 70. The first legs 65 and the secondlegs 66 each include a connecting end 71 and a free end 72. The bridgemember 67 is connected to the connecting ends 71 of the first legs 65and the second legs 66. The second cross members 68 are attached to thefree ends 72 of one of the first legs 65 and one of the second legs 66.

The plurality of leg extensions 70 are pivotably mounted to the freeends 72 of the first legs 65 and the second 66 for improving stabilityof the lower support frame 64. When not in use, the leg extensions 70may be pivoted inward to a retracted or stowed position (see FIG. 3A).When in use, the leg extensions 70 may be pivoted outward to an extendedor use position such that they are aligned with the adjacent one of thesecond cross members 68 to improve the stability of the lower supportframe 64. When the leg extensions are in their stowed position, it isalso possible to position lower support frame 64 on its side, so that itis supported by a plurality of foot pads 61 located on the lower supportframe 64 and the upper support member 30.

FIG. 3B shows an arrangement for securing the upper support member 30 tothe lower support frame 64. A mounting bracket 69 has flanges 53 oneither side of a central recess portion 55 that is shaped to fit aroundthe bridge member 67 of the lower support frame 64. A plurality ofapertures 57 in the flanges 53 are aligned with corresponding apertures59 in the connecting bracket member 77 of the upper support member 30when it is located on the opposite side of the bridge member 67 from themounting bracket 69. A fastener 79, such as a threaded fastener, securethe mounting bracket 69 to the upper support member 30, attaching it tothe lower support frame 64.

Third Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 4A, a cable reel 80 according to a third embodiment ofthe present disclosure includes a drum 18 and a frame assembly 82 forsupporting the drum 18. The frame assembly 82 includes a lower supportframe 84 and an upper support member 85. The lower support frame 84 issimilar to the lower support frame 64 of the second embodiment, exceptthat the lower support frame 84 includes the combination of legextensions 88 and rolling wheels 89 and that the upper support member 85includes an auxiliary support bracket 83.

More specifically, the lower support frame 84 includes a pair of firstlegs 86 and a pair of second legs 87 that are positioned on oppositesides of the drum 18. One of the first legs 86 includes a leg extension88 and the other one of the first legs 86 includes a rolling wheel 89.Similarly, one of the second legs 87 includes a leg extension 88 and theother one of the second legs 87 includes a rolling wheel 89. The uppersupport member 85 includes a work platform 81 and an auxiliary supportbracket 83. The auxiliary support bracket 83 is mounted at the side ofthe drum 18 and is operable to attach an auxiliary device 51, such as alaptop computer, display unit, or other apparatus, to the cable reel 80.The work platform 81 is supported by a connecting bracket member 73,which also facilitates mounting the upper support member 85 to the lowersupport frame 84.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the auxiliary support bracket 83 includes acentral mounting portion 74 and two spaced apart, L-shaped flanges 75 oneither side of the central mounting portion 74. The central mountingportion 74 defines a recess portion 76 that is shaped to fit around thebridge member 67 of the lower support frame 64. The flanges 75 eachdefine a relatively narrow, vertical channel 91 having a width W that iscooperable with a corresponding mounting feature 93 that can be includedon or attached to an auxiliary device.

For example, an auxiliary device 51, such as a laptop computer (see,e.g., FIG. 4A), can include one or two spaced-apart mounting features 93on its base. The mounting feature 93 can take the form of a generallycylindrically-shaped member having a central portion 95 positionedbetween two outer portions 97. The diameter of the central portion 95 issmaller than the diameters of the outer portions 97. In addition, thediameter of the central portion 95 is smaller than the width W of thechannels 91 of the flanges 75, and the diameters of the outer portions97 are greater than the width W of the channels 91. The central portion95 has a length that is greater than the thickness of the auxiliarysupport bracket 83. With such a configuration, the cylindrically-shapedmounting features 93 can slide into the channels 91 of the flanges 75 ofthe auxiliary support bracket 83 to secure the laptop computer to thecable reel 80, regardless of the position of the work platform 81. Whensecured to the cable reel 80, the laptop computer is disposed at a sideof the drum 18 with its primary top and bottom surfaces orientedperpendicular to the central axis A of the drum 18. The auxiliarysupport bracket 83 enables a user/operator to carry the cable reel 80and the laptop computer 51 as one unit. Although described withreference to a generally cylindrically-shaped member, the mountingfeature can take any suitable geometry.

Referring to FIG. 4C, the connecting bracket member 73 of the workplatform 81 and the auxiliary support bracket 83 are mounted to thebridge member 67 by fasteners 99. When mounted to the bridge member 67,the central mounting portion 74 of the auxiliary support bracket 83 anda central mounting portion 101 of the connecting member 73 oppose eachother on opposite sides of the bridge member 67 which is received in thecircular portion 76.

Referring to FIG. 4D, an alternative connecting member 73′ of the workplatform 81 and the auxiliary support bracket 83′ is shown. A circularportion 76′ for surrounding a portion of the bridge member 67 isprovided at the connecting member 73′, instead of the central mountingportion 74′ of the auxiliary support bracket 83′. It is understood andappreciated that the connecting member 73′ and the auxiliary supportbracket 83′ may each be provided with a semi-circular portion so thatthe semi-circular portions jointly form a circular portion to surround aportion of the bridge member 67.

Fourth Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 5, an upper support member 90 according to a fourthembodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to provide afolding seat and/or a work platform. More specially, the upper supportmember 90 includes a first member 92, a second member 94, and a pair ofconnecting members 96 connecting the first member 92 and the secondmember 94.

The first member 92 may function as a folding seat and may include afirst portion 98 and a second portion 100. The second portion 100 ispivotably mounted to an edge 102 of the first portion 98 by a hinge 104between a folding position (shown in dashed lines) and an extendedposition (shown in solid lines). In the folding position, the secondportion 100 is placed immediately above the first portion 98. The secondportion 100 may be pivoted around the hinge 104 as indicated by arrow Ato the extended position. In the extended or working position, the firstportion 98 and the second portion 100 are disposed in the same plane tojointly define a planar top surface 103 to allow a user to sit thereon.

The second member 94 may function as a work platform and may include aplate member 106 and a flange 108. The flange 108 extends from the platemember 106 at an angle relative to the plate member 106. For example,the flange 108 may extend perpendicularly from the plate member 106. Theflange 108 may be foldably mounted to the plate member 106. During use,the flange 108 may be pivoted toward a planar top surface 107 of theplate member 106 so that the flange 108 disposed at an angle relative tothe plate member 106. The planar top surface 107 may be used to supporta device used in the inspection process, such as the display unit andthe recorder. The flange 108 may prevent the device from dropping offthe upper support member 90.

While not shown in the drawings, it is understood and appreciated thatthe first portion 98 and the second portion 100 of the first member 92may be attached in a telescopic manner. For example, the first portion98 may define a receiving space and the second portion 100 may bereceived in the receiving space in the folding position and pulled awayfrom the first portion in the extended position. Similarly, the flange108 of the second plate member may be received in a slot of the platemember 106. During use, the flange 108 may be pulled up from the slot tobe disposed at an angle relative to the plate member 106.

Fifth Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 6, an upper support member 110 according to a fifthembodiment of the present disclosure is configured to function as afolding seat, a platform and at least one drawer. The upper supportmember 110 may include a first member 112 used as a folding seat and asecond member 114 used as a work platform. The second member 114 mayinclude a drawer 116 providing storage space, such as for inspectiontools used during the inspection work.

Sixth Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 7, an upper support member 120 according to a seventhembodiment is shown to have a single-piece plate member 122. The platemember 122 defines an opening 124 to allow the bridge member 34 or 67 ofthe lower support frame 28, 64 or 84 to extend through.

According to the present disclosure, the frame assembly for a cable reelincludes an upper support member attached to the lower support frame.The upper support member defines a top planar surface and may beconfigured as a folding seat for a user, a drawer for storage, aplatform for placing thereon a device used in the inspection work, suchas a computer, an image display unit, a recorder, or the like. Inaddition, the upper support member may provide a mounting location fortools or other devices used with the inspection system or in theinspection process, such as a power supply, batteries, electroniccomponents like a device for recording images and/or video from theinspection, or a docking station for providing connectivity between theinspection system and a computer, for example.

The upper support member may include an auxiliary support bracket. Thecable reel frame assembly with an upper support member is especiallyadvantageous when the inspection of the drain pipes is conducted in arugged environment where no planar or clean surface is found to placethe devices used in the inspection work.

This description is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variationsthat do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to beincluded within the scope of the disclosure. Further areas ofapplicability of the present invention will become apparent from thedetailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood thatthe description and specific examples, while indicating the preferredembodiment(s) of the invention, are intended for purposes ofillustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of thisdisclosure.

1. A frame assembly for a cable reel comprising: a lower support framefor rotatably supporting a drum; and an upper support member attached tothe lower support frame and supporting at least one planar platformmember.
 2. The frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper supportmember is movable between a stowed position and a working position. 3.The frame assembly of claim 2 wherein the upper support member isdisposed at a side of the drum when in the stowed position and above thedrum when in the working position.
 4. The frame assembly of claim 1wherein the upper support member is configured to function as at leastone of a seat, a work platform, and a drawer.
 5. The frame assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the upper support member includes a first member and asecond member, which define a space therebetween.
 6. The frame assemblyof claim 5 wherein the first member is configured as a seat and thesecond member is configured as a work platform.
 7. The frame assembly ofclaim 5 wherein the lower support frame includes a handle extendingthrough the space.
 8. The frame assembly of claim 5 wherein the lowersupport frame includes a pair of legs on each side of the drum, and abridge member connecting the pairs of the legs.
 9. The frame assembly ofclaim 8 wherein each pair of legs define an inverted V shape.
 10. Theframe assembly of claim 8 wherein the bridge member defines a U shape.11. The frame assembly of claim 8 wherein the upper support memberfurther comprises a connecting member disposed between the first memberand the second member and connecting the upper support member to thelower support frame.
 12. The frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the uppersupport member is a single-piece component.
 13. The frame assembly ofclaim 12 wherein the upper support member defines an opening to enable aportion of the lower support frame to extend through.
 14. The frameassembly of claim 1 further comprising an auxiliary support bracketdisposed on a side of the lower support frame for engaging a mountingfeature of a device.
 15. The frame assembly of claim 14 wherein theauxiliary support bracket includes a central mounting portion mounted tothe lower support frame, and a pair of flanges at sides of the centralmounting portion, the flanges each defining a channel for receiving themounting feature of the device.
 16. A frame assembly for a cable reelcomprising: a first leg assembly; a second leg assembly spaced from thefirst leg assembly along a direction parallel to a central axis of thecable reel; a bridge member disposed between the first leg assembly andthe second leg assembly; a shaft extending between the first legassembly and the second leg assembly for rotatably supporting a drumbetween the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly; an uppersupport member movable between a working position and a stowed positionand comprising a first member defining a first planar top surface, asecond member defining a second planar top surface, and at least oneconnecting member disposed between the first member and the secondmember and foldably connecting the upper support member to the bridgemember, wherein the upper support member is disposed above the drum whenin the working position and is at a side of the drum when in the stowedposition.
 17. A cable reel comprising: a drum; a lower support frame forrotatably supporting the drum; and an upper support member mounted tothe lower support frame and supporting at least one planar platformmember.
 18. The cable reel of claim 17 wherein the upper support memberis foldably mounted to the lower support frame and movable between aworking position and a stowed position.
 19. The cable reel of claim 18wherein the upper support member is disposed above the drum when in theworking position and is disposed at a side of the drum when in thestowed position.
 20. The cable reel of claim 18 wherein the lowersupport frame includes a first leg assembly, a second leg assembly and abridge member disposed between the first leg assembly and the second legassembly.
 21. The cable reel of claim 20, wherein the upper supportmember is mounted to the bridge member.
 22. The cable reel of claim 21wherein the upper support member includes at least one plate member. 23.The cable reel of claim 21 wherein the upper support member includes afirst member and a second member which define a space therebetween,wherein the bridge member extends through the space.
 24. The cable reelof claim 23 wherein the first member is configured as a folding seat andthe second member is configured as a platform.
 25. The cable reel ofclaim 24 wherein the second member further includes a drawer.